《西遊記》中的水事研究

Abstract

《西遊記》是明代四大奇書之一，被視為神魔小說之經典，受到歷來讀者及及研究者重視，影響後世小說甚鉅。歷來學界對《西遊記》主題多有討論，然若從文本，從首回開篇詩句「須看《西遊釋厄傳》」便能窺見小說對「釋厄」主題的預告，而唐僧師徒歷經八十一難的取經之行，正是一次從謫降至正果的過渡儀式，也是一場試煉生命的「成長儀式」。其中，與「水」相關的情節頻繁出現，或為厄難，或為解厄之用，除了作為試煉師徒的關卡，也是洗淨其慾望的提示，更在厄難中為遭到破壞的環境和歷難者提供了再生的可能。本文運用「神話原型理論」和「過渡儀式理論」，與小說中的「水」意象相互對照，探討水所承載的「水難」、「清洗」、「重生」等原型意象，如何在《西遊記》中形成獨特的敘事功能與象徵意涵。本文先由取經和遇難的主體「唐僧」切入，分析其乳名「江流兒」，乃至八十一難以水難終始的結構特徵，思考水難作為災厄在故事中的功能和意義；再討論旅程開始後，水作為考驗的關卡，如何持續淨化取經者的身心，使其在試煉中獲得的成長與提升；最後從水的生長意義和小說中對水的正面描述，探究討論寫定者在「水火調和」的教化下，反覆描寫「求水」和「無水不長」的寫作意圖，在八十一難的最後，小說如何透過水的循環和重生意象，將超脫生死、不生不滅的佛教「圓寂」，通過凌雲渡「浴水重生」的方式，消解中國文化中對肉體死亡的忌諱，轉化為難滿後迎來新生的圓滿大結局。"Journey to the West" has been valued by readers and researchers throughout the history and has a huge influence on subsequent literary works. This study focuses on the theme of "eliminating tribulations," as reflected in Tang Sanzang and his disciples’ journey through 81 trials, interpreted as a rite of passage and a spiritual growth process. Water imagery plays a significant role, appearing as trials, purification, and symbols of regeneration. Using mythological archetype and rite of passagetheories, this paper analyzes water's narrative and symbolic functions, including archetypes like " drowning," "cleansing," and "rebirth." It examines Tang Sanzang's name, the structure of water-related trials, and water's role in spiritual purification. Finally, the study explores how water symbolizes renewal and balance, transforming death into a narrative of rebirth and fulfillment, culminating in a harmonious conclusion. This study will begin by examining the significance of Tang Sanzang's life starting and ending with water-related tribulations, interpreting these trials as a means of testing mental resilience and reinforcing determination among the pilgrims during the 81 tribulations. It will then delve into the purifying symbolism of water in Journey to the West, analyzing how water serves as a mirror for internal desires and external worldly influences, both within and beyond the team. This exploration underscores the necessity of constant"mind-cleansing" for spiritual practitioners. Finally, the study will investigate the themes of "salvation" and "rebirth," uncovering the deeper metaphorical role of water as a symbol of renewal and growth throughout the narrative.